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Trai Essex, Former Steelers Tackle, Signs With Colts

-- Behind the Steel Curtain is all about the Pittsburgh Steelers.

By Jared E. Smith
Aug. 25, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Trai Essex (79) during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Steelers beat the Bills 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-US PRESSWIRE
Aug. 25, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Trai Essex (79) during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Steelers beat the Bills 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-US PRESSWIRE

Trai Essex, a former tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers, signed with the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, Beaver County Times' Mike Bires has reported. Essex (6'4, 324 pounds) is an eight-year veteran who was released by the Steelers at the end of training camp and is now expected to play left guard for the Colts.

The former Northwestern Wildcat was a 2005 NFL Draft pick by Pittsburgh where he become a very versatile and dependable lineman -- last season, Essex played in all 16 games and rotated through five offensive line positions.

Near the end of preseason, Essex was a part of Pittsburgh's final roster cuts as he was pushed out by rookies David DeCastro and Mike Adams. Overall, Essex played 76 games over seven seasons with Pittsburgh, including 28 starts.

In Indy, Essex will be reunited with former Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.

For more on the Steelers, visit the SB Nation blog Behind the Steel Curtain. For the latest NFL news, check out SB Nation's NFL homepage.

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.